Darlington were offered a potential lifeline today as former chairman George Houghton entered discussions over a proposed takeover of the stricken club.

Administrators Rowlands Accountants were reported to have set a deadline of midday today for any interested bidders to submit their final offers.

Desperate Darlo 'set to fold on Wednesday'

The 128-year-old club entered administration for a third time in 10 years earlier this month, with the subsequent 10-point deduction leaving them just above the Blue Square Bet Premier relegation zone and their future hanging in the balance.

It has now emerged that joint administrator Harvey Madden is due to hold talks with Tyneside property developer Houghton, who was chairman between 2006 and 2009.

Houghton told the Northern Echo: "I'm going along to see if I can salvage them, although not for the kind of money they have been talking about.

"I'm going along at 2pm today (Tuesday)."

Houghton gained control of Darlington in March 2006. His spell at the helm ended in February 2009 when he placed the club into administration, before control passed to then vice-chairman Raj Singh.